Dr. Vijay T. John
The Leo S. Weil Professor in Engineering
School of Science & Engineering
Tulane University

Host: Dr. Robert M. Enick

Targeted Delivery through Self Assembly in Environmental Remediation 
and in Drug Delivery

My current research deals with the targeted delivery of chemical compounds using carriers that are designed through principles of self-assembly. I will discuss two specific cases in the environmental and drug delivery areas. 

In the environmental area, I work in the mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). HABs occur during periods of eutrophication and lead to uncontrolled algal growth especially of species that produce toxins that have devastating effects on aquatic life and affect human health. HAB events therefore have significant impacts on the economies of affected communities. Technology to mitigate such blooms incorporate fundamental chemical and biochemical concepts of flocculation and algaecide delivery. We describe our work focusing on technology that integrates algaecide into self-assembled mesh like networks that trap algae so that the algaecide is delivered specifically to algal cells in the resulting flocs, with minimal off target implications. We address both freshwater HABs and the marine HABs commonly known as the Red Tide.

In the second case study on drug delivery concepts, we again use self-assembly in the generation of nanoscale complexes of lipids and peptoids, which are peptide mimetic systems. We show that such complexes act through the hydrophobic effect and are able to encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents. These complexes can also be used to generate multilayer vesicles through vesicle fusion. These are novel systems that have potential in drug and vaccine therapy.
I am honored to have been mentored by Dean Holder as his first doctoral student. 

IN HONOR OF GERALD D. HOLDER, PHD

For two decades as U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering at the Swanson School of Engineering, Gerald D. Holder led its growth as one of the top 25 public engineering programs in the U.S. (USNWR).

To mark his 20th anniversary as Dean of the Swanson School, Provost Patricia Beeson appointed him as a Distinguished Service Professor, a title that recognizes distinctive contributions and outstanding service (e.g., professional, regional, national, international) to the University community in support of its multifaceted teaching/research/service mission, as well as performance excellence and national stature in his discipline.